Abstract

PEDROZA SANDOVAL, Aurelio et al. Irrigation water efficiency in the forage corn ( Zea mays L.) and alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ) production and its social and economic impact. Terra Latinoam [online]. 2014, vol.32, n.3, pp.231-239. ISSN 2395-8030.

Corn and alfalfa are the most important forage crops in the La Laguna dairy region, Coahuila and Durango, Mexico, where water is the major limiting factor. This study was conducted to assess the biological, economic and social efficiency of irrigation water used in forage maize (Zea mays L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The methodology used was that of the International Institute for Water Management. Forage maize was more efficient than alfalfa, producing 5.72 kg of biomass, and $0.67 profit per m3 of water used, and created 0.65 jobs for each 100 000 m3 of water, during the crop cycle, while alfalfa produced 0.215 kg of biomass, $0.90 profit, and 0.43 jobs, using the same volumes of water as in maize. Forage maize was more efficient in production per m3 of water used and jobs generated, relative to alfalfa, which however, was more efficient in producing profits. A combination, during the year, of high energy and protein quality forage crops such as corn and alfalfa, respectively, produced under a rotation program should result in a balance between forage quality, productivity, greater social benefit and lower environmental impact.

Keywords : livestock; sociology; milk.

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